In a proud moment for India, former Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata was awarded with Australia's highest civilian award- The Order of Australia. 85-year-old Ratan Tata was given The Order of Australia honour for his outstanding contribution towards strengthening the ties between India and Australia in fields like trade, business, tech, and especially philanthropy. Notably, Ratan Tata apart from his tech companies and massive subsidiaries is known for his philanthropy work and Australia recognizing his philanthropy means that the former Tata Sons Chairman do not see countries before contributing to them. Barry ‘O’ Farrell, who is Australia’s High Commissioner to India om April 22, 2023 took to his Twitter handle and shared a series of pictures of himself honouring Ratan Tata with The Order of Australia. Barry ‘O’ Farrell wrote, "Ratan Tata is a titan of biz, industry & philanthropy not just in India, but his contributions have also made a significant impact in Australia. Delighted to confer Order of Australia (AO) honour to @RNTata2000 in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the Australia-India relationship" With Ratan Tata being conferred with Australia's Highest Civilian Honour, the question arises what exactly is The Order of Australia and how a winner is decided? To know the answer continue reading-
Ratan Tata is a titan of biz, industry & philanthropy not just in 🇮🇳, but his contributions have also made a significant impact in 🇦🇺. Delighted to confer Order of Australia (AO) honour to @RNTata2000 in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the 🇦🇺🇮🇳relationship. @ausgov pic.twitter.com/N7e05sWzpV
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) April 22, 2023
What is The Order of Australia?
As per the official website of The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, The Order of Australia recognizes Australians who have showcased outstanding service and achievement for the good of society. Although the Order of Australia is typically given to the Australian there are times when the Council conferred the award to non-Australians who have contributed to Australian society and hence the case of Ratan Tata. Now, the question arises what are the categories of The Order of Australia and how the council chooses the winners? To know the answer continue reading-
The official website further informed that there are four levels of award. The Order of Australia also has a Military Division (awards in this division are recommended to the Governor-General by the Minister for Defence). Anyone can nominate for the Order of Australia on its official website. This also helps the Council in selecting the members if anyone's work has been missed by the government. Individuals are appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large.
The Order of Australia Category
There are four categories in the Order of Australia namely -- Companion of the Order of Australia (AC),Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), Member of the Order of Australia (AM), and Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) are basically conferred to those who have served Australia in terms of humanity and in doing so achieved a greater good. Just like Ratan Tata.
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) conferred to those who have performed a distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) are awarded to people who have given their everything in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group and achieved something big or extraordinary.
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Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) are awarded to people for service worthy of a particular recognition.
Ratan Tata's List of Awards
It is pertinent to mention here that Ratan Tata has already won multiple civilian awards in India. In 2000, he won the Padma Bhusan which is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, preceded by the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan and followed by the Padma Shri. In 2008, Ratan Tata was awarded Padma Vibhushan which is the second-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna. Notably, after the COVID restriction lifted in India last year, Ratan Tata sharing the stage with PM Modi during the inauguration of Assam Cancer Care Foundation stated that he will be dedicating his last years of life to the health sector. However, later it was stated that Ratan Tata did not say this and he actually said that "I dedicate my last years to help make Assam a state that recognises and is recognised by all."